"There are a lot of factors to be taken into account, experience of the developer, the financing...the community support. So, it's those type of factors that are taken into account before a final price or anything. These are sold by appraisal."

The public hearing at University United Methodist Church was organized by Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt.

Credit Mike Desmond/wbfo news

Neighbors don't want the building converted to affordable housing but several say they might consider market-rate apartments or veterans housing.

There is a proposal to convert the 70,000 square foot building to an arts center, along the line of the conversion of the old Niagara Falls High School to the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center.